The Blues are keen to land the Chile international, who has yet to begin pre-season training with his team-mates following his exertions at the Confederations Cup in Russia, where he helped the Copa America champions reach the final.

He was due to start training on Sunday while his team-mates took part in the Emirates Cup, but his return has been delayed as he is suffering from flu.

Speculation that Sanchez was avoiding returning to Arsenal was rife after he posted a picture to Instagram on Friday morning.

The 28-year-old was wrapped in a scarf and looked miserable as he captioned the picture "sick".